Dear England Theatre Review

photo: Marc Brenner

Friends were amazed to learn that I had been to a play about football. They would be even more surprised to hear that I have been a second time to see DEAR ENGLAND***** at the National Theatre, London. The play is about Gareth Southgate as manager of the England team, but it is so much more than that.

From the time he’s appointed as England’s new manager in 2016 until he left in 2024 Gareth Southgate (Gwilym Lee) brought mind training to the England team. He believed that, although the football playing was of a high standard, the team lacked cohesian and the right kind of attitude towards playing and winning. He brings a psychologist, Pippa Grange (Liz White)in to work with the training team. The older trainers and the England manager and football executive,  Graham Taylor, and Greg Dyke are not keen on this.

In fact, Southgate addition of psychology to the team enabled them to overcome their consistent loss of penalty shootouts. With their new leader in place, the team came very near to winning major tournaments. 

Where the original production in 2023 finished with the expectation that England would win the 2024 Euros, writer, James Graham, has rewritten some of the play to bring it up-to-date in 2024. In fact., England, lose 2-1 to Spain. We now see Southgate resigning, becoming a Knight and Thomas.Tuchel appointed the new England team manager.

What stays the same is the wonderful staging. Choreographed movement shows key highlights of the team training, winning and also missing penalties and dancing in the changing room.

A number of the actors have changed since I saw it originally. Graham Southgate is now played by Gwilym Lee, who manages to give a good replication of Southgate’s voice, appearance, and his characteristics. The Dr of psychology is now Liz White, who brings an Australian accent to the part (Pippa Grange was born in Yorkshire, brought up in Australia).  Some of the team mates have also changed. Outstanding amongst them is Jude Carmichael as Marcus Rashford, Gamba Cole as Raheem Sterling and particularly Ryan Whittle as an amusing Harry Kane. What hasn’t changed is the beautiful production directed by Rupert Goold. Lively and energetic it reflects the excellent writing of James Graham.

On until 24 May at the Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London, until 24 May and at the Lowry Theatre, Salford, 29 May-29 June. Then touring including Liverpool Newcastle and Leeds. 

You don’t have to be a football supporter to enjoy this play. I urge you to take your groups to see it.

CARLIE NEWMAN